Brother Nat King Cole: The Unforgettable Jazz Legend
Written by Rough Ashlar with research assistance from ChatGPT
Introduction: Nat King Cole was a jazz pianist, singer, and composer who rose to fame during the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his warm and velvety voice, smooth phrasing, and impeccable sense of timing. He became a trailblazer for African-American musicians during the era of segregation and racism in America, breaking barriers and paving the way for generations of black artists to come. In this article, we will explore the life, legacy, and impact of Nat King Cole on jazz music and American culture.
Early Life and Career: Nat King Cole was born on March 17, 1919, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Edward James Cole and Perlina Adams. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother was a church organist. Nat was one of five children in the family and grew up in poverty. His family moved to Chicago when he was four years old, where he began taking piano lessons from his mother. By the age of 12, Nat was playing piano in his father's church and other local venues.
In the mid-1930s, Nat and his older brother Eddie formed a jazz group called the "Royal Dukes" and started playing in clubs around Chicago. They later changed their name to the "Nat King Cole Trio" and signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1937. The trio consisted of Nat on piano, Oscar Moore on guitar, and Wesley Prince on bass.
The Nat King Cole Trio became very popular in the late 1930s and early 1940s, performing in jazz clubs and theaters across the country. They had several hit records, including "Sweet Lorraine" and "Straighten Up and Fly Right," which were both written by Nat himself. His singing style was unique, combining jazz phrasing with a natural pop sensibility. He had a way of making even the most complex melodies sound effortless and accessible to the listener.
Success and Challenges: In the 1940s, Nat King Cole became one of the most popular and successful musicians in America. He recorded dozens of hit songs, including "Nature Boy," "Mona Lisa," and "Unforgettable," which became his signature song. His albums sold millions of copies, and he appeared on radio and television shows, as well as in films.
Despite his success, Nat faced numerous challenges as an African-American artist during a time of racial segregation and discrimination. He was often subjected to racist remarks and hostility, particularly when he performed in the South. He was not allowed to stay in the same hotels or eat in the same restaurants as his white bandmates, and he had to use segregated entrances and restrooms.
In 1956, Nat King Cole became the first African-American to host a television variety show, "The Nat King Cole Show." However, the show faced backlash from white viewers and advertisers who objected to having a black man on their television screens. The show was canceled after only one season, despite its critical acclaim and high ratings.
Freemasonry: Nat King Cole was also a member of the Prince Hall Masons, a predominantly African American Masonic organization. Cole's involvement in Freemasonry is an interesting aspect of his life and legacy that sheds light on the intersection of music and fraternity.
Nat King Cole was initiated into Freemasonry in 1938, when he joined Thomas Waller Lodge No. 49, PHA, in Los Angeles, California. The lodge was founded by a group of African American musicians who were members of Musicians Local 767, and Cole joined with his friend and drummer Lee Young. The lodge was named in honor of Fats Waller, another influential African American musician and composer.
Cole's membership in Freemasonry was an important part of his life and identity. He remained faithful to Masonic principles throughout his career, which emphasized brotherhood, charity, and truth. He saw himself as a builder of musical architecture, but he built more than music. His music helped to bring people and races together, and his involvement in Freemasonry furthered these efforts.
Freemasonry is a fraternity that has been around for centuries and has a rich history and tradition. It is based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and truth, and is a society of men who come together to improve themselves and their communities through service and fellowship. The organization has a strong tradition of giving back to the community, and members are encouraged to support local charities and causes.
As a member of the Prince Hall Masons, Cole would have participated in the organization's rituals, ceremonies, and charitable activities. He likely formed close bonds with his fellow Masons and found a sense of community and belonging within the organization.
It is worth noting that Freemasonry is a private organization, and the details of its membership and activities are not generally made public. As such, there may be limited information available about Cole's involvement in the organization. However, it is clear that his membership in the Prince Hall Masons was an important part of his life and identity, and it may have influenced his worldview and values.
Cole's commitment to Masonic principles is evident in his music as well. Many of his songs express themes of brotherhood, unity, and love. One of his most famous songs, "Nature Boy," is an ode to the beauty of nature and the importance of living in harmony with it. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of wonder and awe, and reflect the values of compassion and respect for all living beings that are central to Masonic teachings.
Overall, Nat King Cole's involvement in Freemasonry is a fascinating aspect of his life and legacy that sheds light on the intersection of music and fraternity. His commitment to Masonic principles throughout his life is a testament to the values and teachings of the organization, and his music continues to inspire and uplift people around the world.